Wire Magazine Issue 10.2023 URGE Miami Festival Special Issue

ISSUE #10 | 10.26.23 DISPLAY UNTIL 11.21.23

COVER MODEL:

SHAYNE ARGÜELLES

ARTS NEWSIE: FUNNY GIRL

FLIX:

38TH FORT LAUDERDALE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

SPECIAL ISSUE

PHOTO BY ANTONY KOZZ. INSTAGRAM @ANTONYKOZZ

TABLE OF CONTENTS: 8. COVER MODEL: SEXY MODEL SHAYNE ARGÜELLES Check out the sexy photos of cover model Shayne Argüelles by Antony Kozz and read Shane's interview.

10. COVER STORY: THE WORLD-RENOWNED LGBTQ+

URGE MIAMI FESTIVAL RETURNS TO OUR MAGIC CITY Enjoy this month's Wire Magazine Special Issue about the world-renowned LGBTQ+ URGE Miami Festival taking place November 24-27.

16. FLIX: 38TH FORT LAUDERDALE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

The 38th Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival returns November 3-16 with great films and fun parties.

20. ARTS NEWSIE: FUNNY GIRL The outstanding musical comedy revival Funny Girl will be at the Broward Center November 14-26.

WIREMAG.COM:

ENJOY OUR MAGAZINE LIFESTYLE CONTENT Visit wiremag.com to read all our past issues of Wire Magazine with beautiful men and interesting lifestyle content for the LGBTQ community.

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Wire Magazine is published, produced, and owned by Wire Media Group L.L.C. All Rights Reserved.

Distributed in print in Miami, The Beaches, and Fort Lauderdale, and digitally worldwide through wiremag.com The views, opinions or positions expressed by contributors to and interview subjects of Wire Magazine are theirs alone and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or positions of Wire Magazine, its staff or publisher.

Cover photo by Antony Kozz Instagram @antonykozz Model: Shayne Argüelles

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PUBLISHER’S CORNER ENJOY OUR URGE MIAMI FESTIVAL SPECIAL ISSUE! As a proud sponsor of the LGBTQ+ URGE Miami Festival during Thanksgiving weekend, this month we bring you our annual Wire Magazine Special Issue about the Festival. Co-Producers Billy Kemp, Luis Morera and Hilton Wolman, and their team, have been working very hard to put together this super popular fête and all the events and parties taking place November 24-27. Members of our community from around the world will be coming to Miami and Miami Beach to dance and enjoy the music played by some of the world’s most famous circuit DJs. I sat down with URGE Miami Festival Co-Producer Luis Morera, Director of Matinée Group Spain Luca Farina, and DJs Orel Sabag and Alexis Tucci to preview the Festival. In the interviews we chat about why so many people love coming to our Magic City for the Festival, what to expect during the parties, and what they are most looking forward to during the festivities. Luca also explains why Matinée and URGE have such an enduring partnership producing exceptional parties.

In this issue, we also preview the 38th Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF) by interviewing Board Chair Elect Lisa Grigorian regarding what cinephiles should expect to enjoy at this year’s Festival. FLIFF will showcase 200 films from 40 countries, including eight world premieres, six U.S. premieres, and ten films pertaining to our LGBTQ+ community.

In addition, there will be several fabulous parties. I always enjoy many of the films presented at FLIFF, and I am looking forward to their parties at a beautiful villa and a private estate.

In this month’s Arts Newsie, we preview the musical comedy Funny Girl coming to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts November 14-26. The show tells the story of a girl from New York City’s Lower East Side who dreams of a career on the stage and ends up becoming one of the most admired performers in history, shining brighter than the brightest lights of Broadway.

You will also have the opportunity to see Grammy-Award winner Melissa Manchester play the role of Mrs. Brice.

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and Christmas and the Holiday Season will follow right after that. Our next two issues of Wire Magazine will be our Miami Art Week Special Issue, followed by our annual Holiday Gift Guide with a number of ideas about presents you can buy for your loved ones, friends, and even yourself. I also want to remind you that you can get a Wire Magazine free subscription by visiting wiremag.com/free to continue enjoying our monthly lifestyle content and sexy models.

Happy Halloween! Cheers,

Rafa Carvajal Publisher & Editor in Chief rafa@wiremag.com

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SHAYNE ARGÜELLES

By Rafa Carvajal. Photos by Antony Kozz. Instagram @antonykozz

Rafa Carvajal: Where are you from and where do you live now?

Shayne Argüelles: I have Colombian, German, French, Portuguese, and Turkish ancestry and was born and reside here in Miami.

RC: What do you do for work?

SA: I work for Artezanos, which is my dad’s company that my late grandfather started over 25 years ago. I also do modeling, personal training, photography and OnlyFans as well.

RC: How do you stay in such fit physical shape?

SA: Staying consistent in the gym is key. There are days I’m not feeling motivated but as long as I stay dedicated then that makes all the difference. I try not to take more than two days off at a time.

RC: What are your top three exercises on a regular basis?

SA: I’m always trying to hit shoulder flyes, lateral raises, and leg press machine almost every workout despite whatever my main focus might be for that day. Chest and back come easily to me, so I try to focus on what is lagging to create a more proportionate looking physique.

RC: What is your typical diet to stay in shape?

SA: My diet is very flexible but any animal protein, vegetables and healthy carbs, like brown rice or quinoa, really help me to stay looking my best, especially when preparing for a photo shoot.

RC: What do you enjoy the most about modeling for photography by Antony Kozz?

SA: Antony is extremely talented in that he’s very meticulous when it comes to lighting and getting you to pose correctly to get the most out of your physique and facial expressions in every photo.

He gives amazing direction and I found it extremely easy and enjoyable working with him.

He’s a great guy all around.

RC: What dream would you like to achieve?

SA: I’ve recently started experimenting with making music.

For a long time I’ve always thought it would be so exciting to DJ in front of a really large crowd. I’m going to keep practicing and see where it might take me. Who knows, maybe one day soon you’ll be coming to see DJ ShayneTheFox! RC: Is there anything else you would like to share with Wire Magazine readers?

SA: Follow me on Instagram at my personal account @shaynethefox and photography account @acertainallure, and on X @FoxxxJock.

8 WIREMAG.COM #10 2023

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THE WORLD-RENOWNED LGBTQ+ URGE MIAMI FESTIVAL

By Rafa Carvajal | Photos by Antony Kozz. Instagram @antonykozz

Co-Producers Billy Kemp, Luis Morera and Hilton Wolman will be presenting the world-renowned LGBTQ+ URGE Miami Festival November 24-27. Attendees from around the world will be coming to Miami and Miami Beach to dance and have a fantastic time. The super popular Thanksgiving weekend Festival will include three massive nighttime events, and two sultry daytime parties – the Royal Palm Pool Party and the world famous Beach Party on South Beach.

Kicking off on Friday at M2 nightclub with the Matinée La Leche! Moulin Blanc party featuring sexy dancers from Spain and Europe, the Festival will continue Saturday with the Royal Palm South Beach Pool Party presented by ARENA, Mexico’s premiere party producer. After the Pool Party, you can head to the night’s URGE Back to the 80’s revival theme party at MAD Live in the heart of the Wynwood arts and fashion district. Sunday everyone will be going to the Beach Party on the sand between 12th and 14th Streets, featuring a cabana stripe theme paying homage to the mod fashion movement of 1960’s Miami.

The weekend’s URGE-Verse main event will follow at M2 nightclub, with everyone encouraged to dress in yellow.

The After party will cap the Festival weekend starting very early on Monday morning at Lvlone nightclub in Miami.

The Festival events will feature some of the planet’s most famous circuit DJs, including talent like Grammy Award winning DJ and producer Roger Sanchez. The back cover of this month’s Wire Magazine URGE Miami Festival Special Issue features the full schedule of events. Be sure to also visit urgemiamifestival.com to purchase your passes and tickets to this year’s Festival, and to peruse all the details about the parties, talent, and Royal Palm South Beach host hotel.

I sat down with URGE Miami Festival Co-Producer Luis Morera, Director of Matinée Group Spain Luca Farina, and DJs Orel Sabag and Alexis Tucci to preview the fête.

URGE MIAMI FESTIVAL CO-PRODUCER LUIS MORERA

LET'S DANCE! 10 WIREMAG.COM #10 2023

Rafa Carvajal: As co-producer of URGE Miami Festival, what do you think makes the Festival so popular for attendees from the U.S. and around the world?

Luis Morera: The URGE brand has proven to be consistent in delivering fun and top of the line events not only in the U.S. but also internationally. We don't only focus on music and production but making sure absolutely everything has the right vibe. We want to give a complete experience.

Costumes, cocktails menus, vendors... every layer of an URGE event needs to feel like it all goes together. The added touch that makes us popular is definitely having Miami as a highlighted event location. The City itself is just

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beautiful from every angle you look at it. It really is the Magic City and our attendees love this city.

RC: Why do some of the world’s most famous Circuit DJ’s choose to be part of the Festival?

LM: URGE is known worldwide for having the best crowd and attendees give the best energy. The DJs gravitate to us to be part of that energy. It's a beautiful relationship between our DJs and our patrons, so we keep close relationships with our DJs and consider them part of the family.

RC: What does it take to produce an LGBTQ+ Festival of this magnitude for guests the world over?

LM: Lots of energy and dedication. There are countless meetings, tons of hours spent with city officials, event location research, public relations, etc. We dive into analytics. Looking at all the factors that will make an event a success is really a 24-hour job once we start building an event.

RC: What are you looking forward to the most about this year’s URGE Miami Festival?

LM: I am looking forward to connecting with the new party goers. We've seen a big change in the ‘scene’ recently and in the music too. Attendees are dressing up to match the party themes. They've elevated their tastes in music as well, which gives us the ability to deliver new genres of sound. The customer is evolving and that's really something beautiful for us to witness. And it's a big part of why we mixed up our DJ lineup this year. It's going to be incredible.

RC: Describe the Festival in three words.

LM: Fun, inclusive, evolving.

RC: Why is it more important than ever to gather and celebrate as a community in our Magic City, given Florida’s controversial anti-LGBTQ legislation?

LM: When we unite in our large gatherings, that's where our power is! Crowds of people being unapologetically themselves. Living out loud and doing no harm is a statement. That big visibility is important but even more so right now. We need to be seen so that everyone knows that we are here, we're queer, and we're not going anywhere.

RC: Is there anything else you would like to share with Wire Magazine readers about this year’s URGE Miami Festival?

LM: We have worked so hard overcoming the obstacles to make URGE happen this year considering the political climate in Florida right now. This is a labor of love for our community. We need everyone’s help to spread the love and visibility as the message, and we promise to continue to deliver events where inclusivity is a must and where everyone feels safe.

12 WIREMAG.COM #10 2023

DIRECTOR OF MATINÉE SPAIN LUCA FARINA Rafa Carvajal: What do you enjoy the most about producing Matinée Group parties for URGE Miami Festival?

Luca Farina: One of the things that makes us most enjoy producing events in collaboration with URGE Festival is the enthusiasm with which the URGE team always welcomes our new themes and parties without talking about the work behind such a large and well-organized festival.

RC: How did Matinée decide to partner with the founders/producers of URGE Miami Festival?

LF: Our policy is to collaborate only with promoters that produce events of a certain quality and standards, so it gives us a certain peace of mind about the result of collaborating with events like the URGE Miami Festival, which brings together all the aforementioned.

Furthermore, our collaboration and friendship has lasted for many years, so it is like working as a family.

RC: What should attendees expect for your URGE Miami Festival Matinée Group La Leche! Moulin Blanc party?

LF: Moulin Blanc is one of Matinée’s latest great productions. We all know that La Leche is a white party and every time we always produce a different and fun theme with a very good visual and artistic production.

Get ready for a big surprise!

RC: How do you find your gorgeous dancers for the Matinée parties?

LF: We do castings annually and especially during the big festivals, many even come from outside of Spain.

RC: What goes into producing your very popular Matinée Group events?

LF: Our Matinée family turns 26 this year. Maintaining a company in our sector for so many years implies a lot of dedication, and also always innovating to keep up with the times and fashions.

RC: What does it take to become a successful international event company like Matinée Group?

LF: A lot of effort and above all a lot of love in what we do in the company, and a lot of enthusiasm as if it were the first day. Our strength resides in our entire team, not in a single individual.

RC: Is there anything else you would like to share with Wire Magazine readers about Matinée Group or this year's URGE Miami Festival?

LF: We are very happy and proud to participate once again in this unique URGE Festival. Furthermore, the La Leche party will be just a small example of what you can find and experience during the Barcelona Circuit Festival (August 10-18, 2024), which will celebrate its 15th edition. Come prepared because 2024 will be the biggest event we have ever produced. #10 2023 WIREMAG.COM 13

Orel

Alexis

DJS OREL SABAG AND ALEXIS TUCCI Rafa Carvajal: What are you looking forward to the most about DJing at this year’s URGE Miami Festival La Leche!

Moulin Blanc party and Pool Party?

DJ Orel Sabag: One of the exciting things about playing at URGE Miami Festival La Leche party is the venue! M2 is one of the best clubs in America with an advanced sound and lighting system. La Leche Matinée is known for very big and creative productions, from the costumes of the dancers to LED video, decoration and everything related to the production. Also, playing alongside the two very talented DJs Ivan Gomez and Jerac is a great honor! Ivan has been one of my favorite DJ/producers for many, many years, and I'm sure it's going to be an unforgettable night.

DJ Alexis Tucci: Historically, to my knowledge, URGE Miami Festival has been a primarily circuit (musical style) event. I'm honored that the promoters have trusted me with my sound, and I am so pumped to incorporate my disco house vibes into what I understand to be the overarching feel for the whole event! Also, I'm so jazzed to see all the friends both on stage and in the audience.

Miami is always a great time!

RC: What do you think makes the URGE Miami Festival so popular for attendees from the U.S. and around the world?

OS: URGE Miami Festival showcases a wide variety of diverse parties. There is a Pool Party, a huge Beach Party (this one you definitely cannot miss), night parties and also an After party. The Festival is also hosting two big brands, Matinée (from Spain) and ARENA (from Mexico). They are well known in our community for producing big and amazing parties. I have played several times in Miami, and I can say that the atmosphere there is always special.

It is a very beautiful city with a wonderful nightlife, and an amazing place for LGBTQ friendly activities. URGE Miami Festival always has special crowds from all around the world with very good energy.

AT: The DJ line up is really strong and covers such a wide range of representation from every corner, which undoubtedly will be represented in the music they deliver.

It's spicy! I think the whole weekend will be explosive!

RC: Why do some of the world’s most famous Circuit DJs choose to be part of the Festival?

OS: URGE Miami Festival is one of the biggest festivals in America, known for its big productions, the best venues, the best selection of artists from all over the world, and the crowd that comes to the Festival is a very high quality crowd.

AT: Well, to be clear, I'm not a circuit DJ (stylistically), but my audience is very circuit! I've chosen to be a part of the Festival because I believe there is a strong balance between many different genres of music found inside circuit music if done correctly, and the DJs chosen for this particular festival are some of the best in this industry. To play in the same arena with these greats is an exceptional treat! Also, getting to move the vibrant and dedicated audience that attends this event is the cherry on top!

14 WIREMAG.COM #10 2023

RC: How would you describe your style of music as a DJ? OS: I would describe my music style as more tribal house/house progressive. I like to play high energetic beats with vocals and some commercial songs too.

AT: I've been DJing for almost three decades and have been influenced by many different artists, DJs, producers, and musicians, so my style is broad, but I'd say it's primarily driving, punchy, funky house with a very heavy disco influence. I want the audience to catch a feeling from the tunes I select through vocals and heavy instrumentation, but I like to tug and pull between uplifting musical tracks and ones of a bit darker and deeper variety.

artists, productions, dancers, and several other surprises!

Miami is always a good idea for a Thanksgiving vacation, so I highly recommend getting your bracelet passes before they sell out! I can't wait to see you all on the dance floor.

AT: I am really looking forward to my return to Miami and I hope that everyone comes out and gets up close with me! The exchange of energy between myself and the audience is what I live for and already the energy percolating for this event is electric!

RC: Give us a sneak peek by telling our readers about the music you will be DJing at the La Leche! Moulin Blanc Party.

OS: Right now, I’m working on a few new remixes, so there will be a few surprises. The set is going to be very high-energy beats from beginning to end.

RC: Give us a sneak peek by telling our readers about the music you will be DJing at the URGE ARENA Pool Party.

AT: When I started Djing, I was wildly drawn to tribal house from the 90s that I had picked up from San Francisco and the West Coast in general. Tribal back then was vastly different from the current tribal music associated with circuit now. My goal is to pull from my tribal roots and find a synergistic flow between my disco house and those tribal rhythms, giving my interpretation and loving nod to the overall vibe of the URGE Miami Festival.

RC: Why do you think it is so important to gather and celebrate as a community in our Magic City, given Florida’s controversial anti-LGBTQ legislation?

OS: I feel that URGE Miami Festival is a celebration of love, dance, and music and by celebrating together we demonstrate how strong our community is.

AT: Our community needs to heal and feel togetherness.

Now, more than ever. I often look at events, not necessarily as an escape, but rather as a place to recharge and refuel our love and hope. The dance floor and through music is the best place for that. It strengthens our ability to face and conquer all the crap life throws at us daily. As an ally, I find it imperative that more people like me support and celebrate collectively with the LGBTQ+ community to continue to grow its presence and acceptance!

RC: Is there anything else you would like to share with Wire Magazine readers about this year’s URGE Miami Festival?

OS: I am very excited to be a part of this year's Festival alongside amazing and talented artists from all over the world. The producers of URGE Miami Festival are investing a lot in this year's Festival with the best venues,

LET'S PARTY! #10 2023 WIREMAG.COM 15

FLIX

By Rafa Carvajal

38TH FORT LAUDERDALE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL LIGHTS! ACTION! FLIFF!

Get ready for the 38th Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF) November 3-16. This year’s cinema extravaganza will feature 200 films from 40 countries. The Festival lineup will include features, documentaries and short film programs; including a number of LGBTQ+ films. In addition, directors, producers, actors, and special guests will walk the red carpet, conduct Q&A discussions and mingle with FLIFF attendees. You can also attend a number of lively parties and special events during the Festival, such as the Opening Night Film, Red Carpet & Party, Gatsby Party at the luxurious Villa de Palma, Centerpiece Film & Party, and Intracoastal Elegance, a beautiful evening under the stars at a private estate. Visit fliff.com to purchase tickets to your favorite films, parties and events!

I sat down with Board Chair Elect Lisa Grigorian to discuss what cinephiles should expect to enjoy at this year’s Festival.

Rafa Carvajal: Why should our readers attend this year’s Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF)?

Lisa Grigorian: With a record 200 films from 40 countries, this year’s Festival has something for everyone, including eight world premieres, six U.S. premieres, ten films pertaining to the LGBTQ community and Filmed in Broward, a showcase of 21 films by South Florida filmmakers. In addition to the impressive lineup of films, there are numerous parties and receptions throughout the 14 days.

RC: What is new and different for this year’s FLIFF? LG: We have scores of filmmakers and actors in attendance this year, which means that at many of the screenings filmgoers will have the opportunity to interact with them during Q&A sessions and receptions following the films.

RC: Tell our readers about two or three of the films that you think are a must-see?

LG: There are so many to choose from! Our Opening Night film on November 3rd, The Good Half at Hard Rock Live is one not to miss. It's directed by Robert Schwartzman, who will be at the screening along with actors David Arquette, Brett Ryland, Elisabeth Shue, Brittany Snow and Matt Walsh. Another film that we are all excited about is The Senior on November 9th, a world premiere based on the true story of Mike Flynt, portrayed by Michael Chiklis. Thirty-five years after getting kicked off his college football team, 59-year-old Flynt decides to return to the gridiron and prove to his family, former teammates and himself that it's never too late to tackle your dreams. Director Rod Lurie, Michael Chiklis, Mark Ciardi, and Mike and Eileen Flynt will all be present. One that’s sure to be a local favorite is The Genius of Gianni Versace on November 5th. Written and directed by Salvatore ’Vincent De Paul’ Zannino, this documentary was filmed partially in Casa Casuarina on Miami Beach, and includes unique archival material and rare interviews of friends, former colleagues, and models. A reception with ’Versacetinis’ follows the film, with Zannino in attendance.

THE GOOD HALF

Director: Robert Schwartzman. U.S.A., 2023 Lily Wheeland, mom, free spirit, amateur klepto was joy personified. Mother to tightly wound daughter Leigh and writer son Renn on self-imposed exile from hometown of Cleveland.

Lily was independent and unpredictable. Now, on the sad occasion of her passing, Renn returns home filled with angst over the people he will encounter. It’s been years since he was back, giving friends and family their own space to wonder why. Renn makes an acquaintance, Zoey, on the flight home and despite the turbulence that separates them by a seat, you can tell there is something nearly instant between them. His dad, wellintentioned, yet a bit of a bumbler, Darren has been divorced from Lily for a while. She left Darren for Rick, a bit of a narcissist loon, 180 degrees from Darren. Here comes the clusterf*ck of trying to get all these characters not to kill each other before Lily is six feet under.

16 WIREMAG.COM #10 2023

Photos Provided by FLIFF

RC: Which parties are you looking forward to the most for this year’s FLIFF? LG: All of them, as FLIFF’s parties are legendary! The Opening Night party following the film at Hard Rock Live will be over the top with live music, great food, luscious libations and numerous filmmakers and actors in attendance. The Gatsby Party on Saturday, November 4th will have a 1920s theme and takes place at Villa de Palma on Las Olas Isles.

The Centerpiece Party following The Senior at Savor Cinema on November 9th will be a street party with a football theme, complete with bleachers and cheerleaders. Another not to be missed is Intracoastal Elegance on November 11th at a private waterfront estate on the intracoastal.

RC: As Board Chair Elect, what do you think makes FLIFF such a special film festival?

LG: Now in our 38th year, FLIFF has grown so much, attracting filmmakers and talent from throughout the world, showcasing all genres, while promoting all that South Florida has to offer. The diversity of films, the receptions and parties, the multiple venues, all combine to make FLIFF ’A vacation from ordinary film.’

RC: Is there anything else you would like to share with Wire Magazine readers about this year’s FLIFF? LG: There are many ways to experience FLIFF, whether you just want to go to the Festival or enjoy films and parties year ‘round at our two theaters – Savor Cinema in Fort Lauderdale and Cinema Paradiso in Hollywood. There are also many membership options to choose from, so go to fliff.com and get ready for Lights! Action! FLIFF!

FIREWORKS

Director: Giuseppe Fiorello. Italy, 2023 Based on a true story. 1982, in the heat of a Sicilian summer, two teenage boys, Gianni and Nino, meet and fall in love. The relationship soon becomes a topic of gossip in the small town and despite their families’ objections the two dream of living together, something the community is determined to stop.

THE GENIUS OF GIANNI VERSACE

Filmed partially in Gianni Versace’s ‘Casa Casuarina’ mansion on Miami Beach where every object is a separate work of art, the film brings the genius of the fashion giant to life. The film has unique archival material and rare interviews of friends, former colleagues, and models. A vivid portrait of a Renaissance designer emerges, a man who never stopped being inspired by his time to create a strictly personal universe of high aesthetics.

The doc illustrates and explains that Versace was not only one of the greatest and most influential contemporary designers but walking on the sharp intersection between classic and modern, he redefined the way we perceive fashion, film and clothing.

THE SENIOR

Director: Rod Lurie. U.S.A., 2023 Thirty-five years after getting kicked off his college football team, 59-year-old Mike Flynt decides to return to the gridiron for his last year of eligibility and prove to his family, former teammates, and himself that it's never too late to tackle your dreams. Based on the true story. Michael Chiklis, at age 59 portrays Mike Flynt, a flawed everyman, who overcomes his age, his mental demons and the preconceptions of his teammates 40 years his junior.

Mary Stuart Masterson shines in one of her best performances of her brilliant career. And Rod Lurie shows again that he is a masterful storyteller.

18 WIREMAG.COM #10 2023

Photo credit: © depositphotos.com|maxxyustas

Director: Salvatore Z. Zannino. U.S.A., 2023

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By Rafa Carvajal

FUNNY GIRL: HELLO, GORGEOUS!

The outstanding musical comedy revival Funny Girl will be at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts November 14-26. You can purchase your tickets and get additional information about the show at BrowardCenter.org. This playful Broadway musical features Grammy-Award winner Melissa Manchester as Mrs. Brice and timeless songs like “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” “I’m the Greatest Star,” and “People” in the story of the invincible Fanny Brice, played by South Florida’s own rising star Katerina McCrimmon. The girl from New York City’s Lower East Side dreams of a career on the stage, but everyone tells her she will never be a star. Then something funny happens and she becomes one of the most admired performers in history, who shines brighter than the brightest lights of Broadway!

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The Director of Funny Girl is Tony Award winner Michael Mayer, and the score is by Tony, Grammy, and Academy Award winner Jule Styne. Katerina McCrimmon, from Miami, will make her national tour debut after becoming a YoungArts Winner in Theater and a Presidential Scholar in the Arts. She makes quite a pair with Melissa Manchester.

According to production director Michael Mayer, “fans have adored Melissa throughout her 50-year musical career, and Katerina is a star in the making who embodies the rising stardom of Fanny. We could not be more thrilled to have this dynamic and talented duo lead the Funny Girl tour."

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Photos Credit: Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade